Later this year, Apple will launch new iPhones. Before that happens, though, the rumor mill has to do what it does best: try to ruin the surprise. So here we are with the latest research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, painting us a picture of what’s to come.
As first reported today by MacRumors, Kuo believes Apple is going to make some significant changes to the next iPhone models later this year. Namely, the company will adopt some features that have been requested for quite some time (and rumored for the current iPhones, but didn’t pan out). Kuo believes, for instance, that Apple will finally adopt the 120Hz refresh rate for the phone’s display, thanks to LTPO display technology.
Of course, Apple adopting LTPO, or low-temperature polycrystalline oxide, has been rumored for quite some time already.
The research note goes further. Kuo believes Apple will stick with the Lightning port for the next lineup, rather than going with a USB-C port (or fully wireless). The company will also launch four new iPhone models, keeping in line with the iPhone 12 variants. Kuo expects Apple to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem, which will improve 5G wireless technologies as well.
And Kuo believes the sensor-shift image stabilization feature currently present in the iPhone 12 Pro Max will make its way to other iPhone 13 models.
The handset will also reportedly feature a smaller notch and larger batteries. But, what it won’t feature, according to Kuo, is a USB-C port. As mentioned above, Kuo expects Apple will stick with the Lightning port for at least one more generation of iPhone. While the analyst expected a port-less iPhone this year, it turns out that won’t be the case after all.
Kuo had this to say on the matter:
If the iPhone abandons Lightning in the future, it may directly adopt the portless design with MagSafe support instead of using a USB-C port. At present, the MagSafe ecosystem is not mature enough, so the iPhone will continue to use the Lightning port in the foreseeable future.
And then, looking ahead, Kuo has some things to say about the new iPhone SE variant.
A new iPhone SE model
Kuo believes that Apple won’t launch a new iPhone SE model until next year. When 2022 rolls around, the new phone will launch in the first part of the year. No word on an exact date, of course, but the window is reasonable considering when Apple last refreshed the lineup.
As far as new features, Kuo expects Apple to adopt 5G wireless technology in the new handset.
Per the research note:
Apple will release the new ‌iPhone SE‌ model in 1H22. The exterior design and most specifications are similar to the existing 4.7-inch ‌iPhone SE‌. The biggest change is to support 5G and processor upgrades.
So, no major change to design. But the key changes under the hood will probably make it a welcomed upgrade for some.